Q&A: College advice from the experts

Anne Ryman, The Arizona Republic’s higher-education reporter, collected questions from readers about college. She consulted three experts: Randy Stoltz, a financial expert and founder of Campus Advisers in Phoenix; Melissa Pizzo, executive director of student financial assistance for Arizona State University; and Katherine Pastor, a guidance counselor at Flagstaff High School.

Question: When should I start arranging visits to college for me and my son?

Melissa Pizzo: It is never too early. Many families visit Arizona State University when students are high school juniors and seniors. Visits provide a first-hand look at what the college experience is like. It’s an opportunity to interact with students and to ask questions. Most colleges have a variety of visit programs, ranging from basic tours to day-long and even overnight programs. Colleges also have summer programs where students can explore extracurricular or academic interests.

Question: My son takes Advanced Placement and honors courses and has a 4.2 grade point average. What are the chances he will get a full tuition scholarship?

Randy Stoltz: It depends on the college. It’s rare to get a full tuition scholarship, let alone a full-ride scholarship, which covers tuition, room and board and books. A 4.2 grade-point average is a weighted score on the 5.0 scale, which is similar to an 85 percent. It usually depends on a combination of the the grade-point average and the SAT or ACT college-admission exam score being above 80 percent to start getting 50 percent or more of tuition covered.

Question: My daughter is starting high school this fall. What can she do to have the best chance of getting into the university of her choice?

Katherine Pastor: Colleges and scholarship groups like to see student involvement in their school and community. They also like students with leadership skills, meaning they hold leadership positions in clubs and organizations. Have your daughter meet with her guidance counselor. Look into summer enrichment programs at colleges. These can be a great way for your daughter to explore her interests, possibly earn credit and visit college campuses.

Question: I’m graduating from high school in May 2014. When can I apply to ASU?

Melissa Pizzo: Starting July 1, 2013.

Question: I graduated from ASU in 2009. I’m trying to pay back student loans, but the company has a ridiculous interest rate. What options do I have?

Randy Stoltz: The old Stafford Loans have older servicing firms, but the rates are capped at 8.25 percent. Today they are unsubsidized federal (direct) loans with rates capping at 6.8 percent. If you have an alternative “signature” loan based on your credit, you need to shop around for consolidations to improve the rates based on your income and credit. Here’s the best unbiased website to learn about student loans: http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized

Question: What are dual enrollment classes?

Katherine Pastor: Dual enrollment are classes offered at the high school where students earn college credit. Some are free; others charge a minimal fee. The grade earned in the high school class is the grade that will be on the college transcript.

Question: Do I have to take the ACT or SAT college-entrance exams to get into an ASU? What about to qualify for some scholarships?

Melissa Pizzo: Although the ACT or SAT are not required for general admission to Arizona’s state universities, they are important to take. ACT or SAT scores are often used for admission to selective degree programs, to determine merit-based scholarships and to assist with course placement.

Question: What is EFC?

Randy Stoltz: EFC is short for Expected Family Contribution. This is the minimum amount of cash the college/university says you can afford to pay each year per student. For example, if your EFC is $14,500 and the cost to attend Azusa Pacific University in California is $45,100 in any given year, then you may get financial aid (loans, grants, scholarships, work study) for somewhere between 60 percent and 100 percent of the difference, but you can assure yourself to spend at least $14,500 of cash in that year.

Question: How do I lower my EFC?

Randy Stoltz: You can only lower it by having lower Adjusted Gross Income and a smaller amount of “assessable assets” (non-retirement). Your residence equity doesn’t count at 80 percent of universities.

Question: I’m not sure where I want to go to college. Can you recommend some online resources?

Katherine Pastor: Talk to your guidance counselor to see if there is a program at school that you can use. Some counseling departments have access to programs such as Naviance, Kuder or Cappex. Collegeboard and ACT are good places to begin. Both have college search engines that can narrow choices.

Question: I have $15,000 saved for my two kids’ college education. Are we going to get the rest in aid to cover the balance?

Randy Stoltz: It depends on your Expected Family Contribution and on any scholarships the students gets. Most parents need to pay more cash and/or borrow more than they have planned. This is a great reason to consider community colleges the first two years if you have been unable to save the full cost of attendance.

Question: My son may be short a math credit his senior year. How can I make sure he is caught up to graduate on time with his classmates?

Katherine Pastor: Arizona high school students need four math credits to graduate. Many high schools offer summer school. Some offer online classes. Your best bet would be to enroll your son this summer in the class he either failed, or did not take, so he can start his senior year in the right course. Check with your school’s counseling department. If summer school isn’t offered, try looking at a school district close by.

Question: Our family moved here in February 2013 from another state. How do I determine whether my daughter is eligible for in-state tuition in fall 2014?

Melissa Pizzo: Families that have recently moved to Arizona are generally eligible for in-state tuition provided they have met established requirements. To learn more or to ask specific questions, call the Residency Classification office at ASU or read more at: https://students.asu.edu/residency.

Question: How can my daughter apply for loans without linking our names on the loans? She is graduating high school this year.

Randy Stoltz: All college students, after submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, will be offered two loans totaling $5,500 as freshmen, $6,500 as a sophomore and $7,500 as a junior/senior. There is no credit check on the student, and no co-signer needed. If more money is needed, parents can get the PLUS Loan for 7.9 percent as a credit-based loan. The federal student aid website is a great resource.

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